Granger Smith: How Faith Led Me Through the Darkest Night episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 10, 2026 · 43 MIN

Granger Smith: How Faith Led Me Through the Darkest Night

from What's God Got To Do With It? With Leanne Ellington · host iHeartPodcasts

Join us for an intimate conversation as we sit down with Granger Smith, a country music star who dedicated his life to ministry.  Granger opens up about his heart-wrenching journey following the tragic loss of his youngest son, River, which he vulnerably shares in his book, "Like a River."On June 4th, 2019, Granger's life changed forever when River drowned in their family pool. The devastating tragedy sent him into a dark and painful journey, filled with grief, guilt, and criticism from the outside world. Despite his efforts to carry on with his career, Granger was dying inside. Alone on his tour bus one night, he had a transformative spiritual encounter with God that lifted him out of despair and onto a path of healing and renewal. In this episode, Granger shares his vulnerable testimony and the profound lessons he learned including the deep truths about God and faith that emerged from River's passing, navigating grief and the struggles he encountered while trying to support his family through their collective grief, and the moment he felt God's presence and the spiritual encounter that changed his life forever. His experience of nearly taking his own life and finding new purpose led him to the remarkable growth that came from his suffering,  and he shares why he wouldn't turn back time, even if it meant having River back. This led to him listening to "the call", as he decided to leave his music career to become a minister , and he shares how preaching has brought him more fulfillment than fame ever did. Join us as we explore Granger's triumphant story of new life birthed out of tragedy, and learn how to face your own failures, confront pain, and connect with God— even when you're in your darkest season. Be prepared for an inspiring conversation filled with hope, faith, and the power of surrender. GUEST: @GrangerSmithGranger's Book: Like A River Granger's Website, Appearances, Podcast, & Books: https://grangersmith.com/   HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington  To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com. What's God Got to Do With It is an iHeartRadio podcast on the Amy Brown Podcast network. It's written and hosted by Leanne Ellington, Executive Produced by Elizabeth Fazio, Post Production and Editing by Houston Tilley, and Original music written by Cheryl Stark & produced by Adam Stark.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Granger Smith: How Faith Led Me Through the Darkest Night

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How long is this episode of What's God Got To Do With It? With Leanne Ellington?

This episode is 43 minutes long.

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This episode was published on March 10, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Join us for an intimate conversation as we sit down with Granger Smith, a country music star who dedicated his life to ministry.  Granger opens up about his heart-wrenching journey following the tragic loss of his youngest son, River, which he...

Is there a transcript available for this episode?

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